2002 Lexus Is 300 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 37 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.2 times the median Is 300 year — the 2002 model ranks #1 of 13 Is 300 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (6), other (5), and transmission (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
37
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other Is 300 years?
What are the most common 2002 Lexus Is 300 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 6 | 16% | — flat |
| Transmission | 5 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Other | 5 | 14% | new |
| Brakes | 5 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 8% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Engine | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ACCELERATOR FAILURE IN A LEXUS IS300 ABOUT TWO YEARS MY DAUGHTER GOT ON A CAR ACCIDENT AT THAT TIME SHE MENTIONED THAT HER ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK. THERE HAS BEE A FEW TIME THAT I FELT THAT THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ALSO. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THE LEXUS COMPANY FOR THE LAST 6…”
“MY 2002, LEXUS IS300 HAD A CASE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION THAT LED TO A CRASH CAUSING OVER $10,000 WORTH OF DAMAGES TO BOTH MY CAR AND THE OTHER PERSONS CAR. I HAVE SEEN OTHER REPORTS OF OTHER PEOPLE WONDERING IF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE IS SUSPECT IN THESE CASES, HOWEVER I PERSONALLY…”
“MY 2002, LEXUS IS300 HAD A CASE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION THAT LED TO A CRASH CAUSING OVER $10,000 WORTH OF DAMAGES TO BOTH MY CAR AND THE OTHER PERSONS CAR. I HAVE SEEN OTHER REPORTS OF OTHER PEOPLE WONDERING IF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE IS SUSPECT IN THESE CASES, HOWEVER I PERSONALLY…”
“AFTER GETTING CLUTCH REPLACED, I PRESS THE CLUTCH PEDAL DOWN AND RELEASE THE PEDAL, IT TAKES SOMETIMES UP TO 30 OR 40 SECONDS BEFORE THE PEDAL POPS BACK OUT.. I HAVE TO REACH DOWN WITH MY HAND AND PULL THE PEDAL UP. *NLM”
“THE FRONT TIRES AFTER 19.500 MILES INSIDE EDGE OF TIRE DOWN TO STEEL BELT. OUTSIDE EDGE OF TIRE LOOKED BRAND NEW. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE THE DEALER INSPECTED THE CAR. THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE TIRES AND ALIGNING THE FRONT END AT A WHOPPING FEE OF $732.00 AND TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS NORMAL TIRE…”
2002 Lexus Is 300 — common questions
Is the 2002 Lexus Is 300 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 37 complaints put the 2002 model at #1 of 13 Is 300 years. It is one of the Is 300 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 Is 300 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (6 complaints), other (5 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).
Does the 2002 Lexus Is 300 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Lexus Is 300.
Which Lexus Is 300 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Is 300 years to avoid are 2002, 2018, 2016, 2017. The cleanest record among Is 300 years belongs to 2006.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.